Protection of insect pheromones from degradation by ultraviolet radiation

ABSTRACT

A substituted benzene compound of the following formula was found to protect an insect pheromone against ultraviolet (UV) radiation degradation ##STR1## wherein R 1  is H or alkoxy group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R 2  is H, sulphonic acid or its sodium salt, R 3  is H, OH, and R 4  is H, OH, or methoxy group. The UV absorbing compounds of the preceding formula significantly extended the biological activity and quality of the pheromone while at the same time remaining nontoxic to the insect and nondestructive of the environment.



